2020 Subaru Legacy

I don't know if you are still here, but I'll post this anyway. It looks like the 2020 Subaru Legacy will be on the universal platform used by it's other vehicle along with the engine from the Forester. According to Subaru it will be quieter and with a better ride, due to platform rigidity.

You might be shocked to hear this but I'm going to actually start test-driving cars. I finally got it squared away in my head that it makes sense to get a new car, even though I only put on about 500 miles per year, most of which are with me in the passenger seat. It all comes down to safety and comfort. And so I finally dug deeper into how to use the Consumer Reports website to focus on three main points: ride, noise, and reliability. This put the Subaru way up there. So that's what I will look at first. Of course, this will be a 2019 I'm testing, and from what I understand they are heavily discounted because sales will drop as people wait for the 2020. But that 2020 interior sure looks sweet. So I might wait to actually buy. The thing is though I have to get out and get started now so I can at least familiarize myself with what's going on, even if I end up buying next year.

 

I don't remember the details, but I think the new universal platform is already in use on other models. And for all I know, the Legacy could be the last one to get it.

Sort of interesting to be shopping for a car and dependent on someone else to drive me to the car lot.

 

The main three on the list are Legacy, Impala, and Avalon. What's interesting about the Impala and Avalon is they are no wider than the Legacy, even though Legacy is mid-sized and Impala and Avalon are full-size. They are a little longer, though, but not by much. Then I'll have to figure it out after that. One thing I hate in modern cars is the center arm rest. I don't want my arm up and out to the side. So I'll have to see how this goes.

 

I finally got to go out and look. The Chevy dealer said there are no more Impalas. I had read somewhere that GM had reversed their decision to discontinue these, at least for awhile. But maybe that dealer will not be getting any more. Anyway, because that short visit didn't wear me out, I moved onto Toyota Avalon. I could not warm up to it. I think I just feel more comfortable with mid-size cars.

So now my list has changed. It now contains Legacy, Mazda6 and Passat.

One thing that concerns me is the 2020 Legacy will use different building methods. I always wonder if it's better to wait for them to get the bugs out.

 

Thanks for the ideas. You got me thinking. I looked on Chevrolet's website and found some Impalas at a different dealership. Also, if I'm worried about the 2020 Subaru, there will probably be some 2019 left over to pick from. And as you suggested, I should just go look and see what's left when I'm done.

 

I expected to have at least three cars checked by now, but all I have is one. It all depends on whether I have someone here to help me. And also if something else comes up that keep me from going. So, for example, someone will be here Friday to help me but I have to stay home to sign for a medication that's being mailed to me. And i has been one thing after another since I checked the Avalon.

As for why I didn't like the Avalon, it looked big and unappealing and it just didn't feel right to drive. But then again, I've yet to drive a Toyota anything I liked. But after I test all the cars I have to try to think practically. The most appealing car might not be the most practical one.

BTW, I checked inventory for the local Subaru dealer and they have one or more 2020 in stock. I don't remember how many.

 

I have take back what I said about never driving a Toyota I liked. I just remembered that I liked the Cressida. I would have bought one in a heartbeat if I had had the money. It seemed to be just right. Some call it a luxury car, but I felt no luxury there. Nor did it feel like large car. It was not like driving a barge. It was just a practically-sized car. The Corolla was the small car. The Camry was, well, I'm not sure what. When I heard they were going to pull the Cressida and have the Camry be their top end I thought they were nuts. Especially with how well the Cressida was selling. I guess they were trying to clear the way for the Lexus.

Anyway, I drove an Accord today, and I think I'm also nuts. I'm not in good health, I'm on a new chemo drug, it was 94 degrees outside, and I had no caregiver to help me. I guess I got bored, and fed up waiting. I feel okay now, but how I feel tomorrow will be the real test.

But I do have an opinion on it. It felt cramped. Maybe, in part, because it has a double-wide center console. Not enough room left to easily attach my set belt. And the back of the drivers seat seemed a tad flat and hard. The brakes were good. I had to be careful not to brake too hard, after what I'm used to in my 1994 Mazda. The engine feels adequate. I think it's a 1500 turbo. But the tight fit in the driver's compartment felt like a step down from my Mazda 626. So it's out of the running.

One more thing: I learned something about car shopping. Never drop in. I dropped into a VW dealer last week and was told it would take almost an hour get the car from the storage lot. It was blocked in with new arrivals that had not yet been processed. So I left. And I also learned today that calling ahead is not enough. She told me it would be there in an hour and when I arrived it was not there. Next time I'm not going to go unless they tell me it is there and ready to go.

 

That is very bad. I think you got one of the worst. When I bought my Mazda I had already been to that dealer once before and spoke with a different salesman. I know some places have this thing about giving the first sales contact credit, so I let the new salesman know who had helped me.. He told me that the other salesman was a lousy salesman and that I'm better off with him (the new guy). I must say, I admired his brashness. And despite this bit of attitude, he was a great salesman and I bought the car that day. He was so good that years later when I was window shopping the new models, I told the general manager how good the guy was. Turns out the guy who sold to me was the sales manager.

As for the Accord, I drove the EX. I wanted to check out the Honda Sensing safety features. But while I was driving I forgot to ask. And now I think I should have driven the LX, which is the lowest level of trim. And also the level of trim that has the a higher profile tire than the other trims. As you pointed out, low profile tires have harder ride.

Anyway, I think my cramped feeling is, in part, because I can't stand tall center consoles that force you to put you arm on them. Drive me nuts. And as for the ride of the EX, it was okay but nothing impressive.

I read that Honda automatic clutches don't do will in stop and go traffic. They respond in a vague way. I read the same thing about Passat. So when I test that one I'll have to look for this. In fact, I should pay more attention to this in all cars.

 

I don't know what generation they are in. The year, though, was 2019.